William Cookworthy: Pioneer of Porcelain

Discover the true story of William Cookworthy, the Kingsbridge born Quaker chemist who became first person to make true British porcelain.

The exhibition aims to tell the story of the man behind the porcelain legend.

Kingsbridge-born William Cookworthy (1705-1780) found china clay deposits in Cornwall which he used to manufacture the UK’s first true hard paste porcelain, setting up the first factory in England to make it in Plymouth in 1768.

The exhibition will highlight Cookworthy’s links with the local area, his Quaker faith and showcase objects from the factory. It also focuses on his friends and 18th century dining

This Exhibition, now in it’s second year has been developed by Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum in partnership with the Box (formally Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery), which is currently closed for the major redevelopment. This year we also have on loan a first edition of the English Dictionary, complied by Dr Samuel Johnson and a cane, presented to Johnson by his friend David Garrick, kindly loaned by the Dr Johnson’s House Trust, London. We also have a period style dress on loan from the Theatre Royal Plymouth.

27/03/2017 to 31/10/2018

Adults £3, Concessions £2.50, Children under 16 FREE. This includes entry to the rest of the museum.